Chapter 22

Conrad:

One Week Later

I smile at the polaroid at every red light.

It was a picture of us from my birthday weekend. Belly is sitting on my lap on the sailboat, and we're smiling at each other with windswept hair and sunglasses on. Little did I know in that picture that she would tell me she wanted to marry me later that night. It was one of my new favorite pictures of us. Our love caught on film. I had carried it around in my wallet for the past week then I had taped it to my dashboard today for good luck. I was going to need it.

When I pull up to Laurel's house, I take a moment for myself. I look at the polaroid one last time as I turn off the engine. I wasn't typically someone who prays a lot but I say a little prayer in my heart at that moment that today would go right. That the right words would find me. Then I find myself shutting the car door and walking up the steps.

Before my hand can even meet the door to knock on it, John Conklin is opening it. He is holding a box in his hands and he looks surprised to see me. To be fair, I couldn't remember the last time we had seen each other either. But then I do. The day of the wedding. I erase the thought as soon as I have it.

"Conrad." John greets me with a warm smile, positioning the box in his hands to keep the door open. "What a pleasant surprise. I didn't know you were in town."

"Hey, John." I smile, feeling a little thrown off. "I just got here this morning." I nod. "I thought I would stop by. It's really good to see you."

"Likewise." John nods.

We exchange an awkward handshake then I gesture toward the box in his hands. "Can I help you with that?"

"Sure." John nods. "Thanks, Conrad."

I help John move some boxes that are sitting in the doorway to Laurel's garage. Now that Laurel was an empty nester, she was ready to let go of some things and she was donating some items for the holidays. It reminds me of my mom and how she used to donate to local shelters and food drives for the holidays. John and I don't say much to each other as we move the boxes, which was fine by me, because I didn't want to have the conversation like this. I didn't want him to be distracted. It just gives me extra time to think about what I wanted to say. I start to wonder where Laurel was since her car was parked in the garage. It looked like she was home but she hadn't come out to say hi yet and she knew I was coming today. I was the one who had asked her to arrange the three of us meeting this morning.

"Is Laurel around?" I ask him when we're done, running a hand through my hair.

"She's on the phone with her publicist." John exhales, setting down the last box. "She shouldn't be long." Then he stands up straight, wiping sweat from his forehead with his palm. "Thanks for your help, Conrad. I'm not as nimble as I used to be." He laughs. "Don't get old."

"I'm pretty sure you did all the heavy lifting, John, not me." I laugh and I can tell it makes him feel better. He smiles at me endearingly. "And it's no problem."

John invites me inside for a refreshment. He pours himself a hot coffee as it was freezing outside and he offers me one but I nicely decline the offer. I was already nervous enough. Caffeine would just make me feel worse. He hands me a water bottle instead, thanking me again for the help and I tell him anytime. We end up in the living room and I can hear a voice on the phone in another room that sounds like Laurels. John sits on the couch and I sit directly across from him in a chair. Ironically it was the exact same chair I had sat in when I had come to see Laurel last. The day I asked her for Belly's hand in marriage. I was hoping today would go just as smoothly as that day had. We exchange a moment of silence as we settle into our seats and John sips on a coffee. There is a grandfather clock ticking in the corner and it matches the nervous ticking of my heart. It had been so long since I had seen John I wasn't even sure where to start. He initiates the conversation first and I'm grateful.

"So." He sets down the mug. "Laur tells me you're almost done with medical school."

"Yeah." I sit up straighter. "I graduate in the spring."

"Congratulations." John clicks his tongue, impressed. "Susannah would be proud."

"I'd like to think so." I smile. "What about you? Are you still teaching?"

"Yup and let me tell you, there is never a dull moment as a college professor." He laughs and I laugh too. "But I can't really complain. I love what I do."

I smile, nodding with him then we exchange another beat of silence as he sips his coffee. It was starting to feel less awkward which was nice. John had always had a very friendly way about him. He was easy to talk to.

"So, what's next for you after you graduate?" He asks me next. "Got any big plans?"

Oh, I had big plans alright. That was exactly why I was here today. The exact reason I had asked Laurel to invite John over in the first place. I clear my throat, loosening my coat collar.

"If everything goes right with residency interviews, I'm planning on moving to Cousins for residency." I nod.

"Wow." John smiles. "Well, that sounds right up your alley." He raises his mug. "Like Laurel used to say, it's always sunny in Cousins."

"It's closer to Belly too." I quickly add, seizing the moment to bring her up. "That's why it's my top choice."

John looks at me and it's hard to know what he is thinking behind those eyes. He studies me for a minute and my palms start to sweat. John Conklin wasn't necessarily an intimidating man but he could be hard to read at times.

"Laur mentioned you two started seeing each other again." He leans back into the couch, smiling at the mug. "I'm happy to hear it." He looks like he means it when he looks back up at me. "I always thought you two made a nice couple."

"Thank you." I smile, not expecting that. I was thankful John still thought highly of me despite everything that had ever happened but then again maybe he didn't know everything.

"I'm a lucky guy." I smile to myself then I look at him. "Your daughter is very special, John."

"Indeed she is." John says it like a professor as he holds his mug. Sometimes I forget he is one. "Indeed she is."

Then he adds, "And I must say you always were such a bright kid, Conrad. Any residency program would be lucky to have you. Steven always said you were the smartest kid he ever met."

"Thank you." I say then I laugh, trying to keep it lighthearted. "Although I'm not so sure about that. Steve could probably tell you a few stories about how dumb I was in our teens."

John laughs. "Nah, I think he would still agree. After all, he only started looking at Ivy Leagues because you told him he was smart enough to get into one. Ever since his freshman year that kid was set on it." He raises his mug to applaud me. "We have you to thank for that."

I never knew that. I guess Belly wasn't the only one who had taken my words to heart over the years. As the oldest, I guess they both looked up to me in their own ways. It makes me feel more confident with how John saw me. Our talk was off to a great start. I decide to guide the conversation back towards the reason I was here. Her.

Just then, my eyes land on a portrait of her behind him on the wall. Steven and Belly are posing in it like they are in some cheesy JC Penney's holiday catalog. Belly couldn't have been more than five years old in it. She is wearing a red dress and a tutu with black tights and shiny black ballet flats. She is wearing a black handband with curls framing her face. She's laughing, her face cupped in her hands, propped up, with all of her baby teeth on display. I had never seen that picture before. It must have been during her dancing days hence the tutu. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. I remembered that little girl. I knew her well.

"You give me too much credit, John." I smile at the picture. "You and Laurel have raised some incredible kids-"

"That we have." Laurel's voice enters the room.

I look over to find Laurel winking at me as she joins us in the living room and the room automatically feels ten times lighter with her in it. I had always loved Laurel for that very reason. She just had a way of making you feel at ease. I think all of the Conklins were blessed with that quality about them.

"Hey, Laur." I greet her. "It's good to see you."

"You too." She sits down on the couch and she takes a sip of her coffee she had left there. "Sorry, my publicist called saying it was urgent." She eyes us. "What did I miss?"

"Conrad and I were just catching up." John smiles at me then he looks back at her. "So, how is that book of yours coming along by the way?"

"Oh, you know. The usual." Laurel sighs, holding the mug in her hands. "The life of a writer trying to appeal to the masses. Filled to the brim with self-doubt." She rolls her eyes as she sets the mug back down. "But don't tell my always optimistic publicist that."

John and I just laugh at her sarcasm. Laurel was a strong writer. She just couldn't see it. She was her own worst critic in the words of my late mother.

"I'm sure everyone will love it." John laughs. "How could they not if it's coming from the famous Laurel Park?"

They exchange smiles and it's nice to see the friendship between them. I had always admired the way John and Laurel could be co-parent and be cordial even after their divorce. They still had a level of respect for each other as they did share children after all. I had only wished that my father had been capable of the same thing with my mom but it was much too late for that now.

"Well." Laurel changes the subject. "I must say I don't remember the last time the three of us have been in the same room together." She looks in my direction. "Do you, Connie?"

I did. It had been the wedding day. I was pretty sure John had seen Laurel helping me down the stairs after she had found me having a panic attack just moments after saying my final goodbye to Belly. I wonder if John even knew the reason I had left that day was because I was in love with his daughter. Laurel had the same pain reflected back in her eyes. Was she remembering that day too?

"It's been a long time." I snap myself out of it, clearing my throat. "But I'm glad I dropped by. I've been meaning to catch up with you two."

"Us too, Connie." Laurel smiles. "We've always had a soft spot for you. As if you were one of our own."

"Yes, we have." John nods in agreement then his eyes flash between Laurel and I as we look at each other. He could pick up on the unspoken conversation our eyes were having. "But I can't help but feel like I'm the odd man out here. Am I missing something?"

Laurel hesitates then she clasps her hands together in her lap. "I believe Conrad has something important he would like to discuss."

Laurel starts it off for me then she looks at me to take it from here. I think she could tell I was nervous. Because I was. I didn't want to fuck this up. I wanted to get this right.

"Alright." John sets down his mug. He had no idea what was coming. He rests his arm on the couch, giving me his full attention. "What can we do for you, Conrad?"

I sit up straighter in the chair, letting out a breath. I knew it was time. It was time to say what I had come here to say. I couldn't put it off any longer. Not that I wanted to. I was dying to get the words out ever since Belly had given me the go ahead last weekend. I was in planning mode and this was the first matter of business. Although Belly wasn't particularly close to John, I truly think this is how she would like me to go about this. John was her father and the more I had thought about it, the more I realized it wouldn't feel right to move forward on any of our plans without including him. I may have gone to Laurel first but I wanted to show him the same respect I had shown her. I wanted to do things the right way even if it was old fashioned or outdated to some. Belly had never mentioned this but I knew it would mean a lot to her.

All I knew was I had to try. I had to do it. For her.

"John." I begin, leaning forward in my chair, setting the tone for the conversation. "I'm here today to talk to you about something very important. To ask you about someone who is very important to you." I make direct eye contact with him. "Belly."

John's eyes wander to Laurel then straight back to me.

"As you know, we started seeing each other again this past summer and I'm very fond of your daughter. I honestly can't recall a time in my life where I haven't been." I suck in a breath. "And what I'm getting at is, well, we're in love." I let the words sink in for him. "We're very much in love and we've been having a lot of serious talks about the future. A future that we see together. A future that I plan to make happen." I wet my lips. "But it doesn't feel right to move forward on any of those plans without having you be a part of them." I pause. "Belly doesn't know that I'm here right now but I think this is how she would want me to go about this and I want to respect her wishes. I want to respect all of your wishes and I want to do things the right way which brings me to why I'm here. I asked Laurel to arrange us meeting today because this is a conversation that I wanted to have in person with you."

John doesn't say a word but his entire demeanor changes. It starts to hit him where this conversation is headed.

"On the drive here," I start, my voice a little rough as I try to find the words. "I kept thinking about what I could say to you. How to perfectly express how much your daughter means to me." I pause. "But the truth is, there are no words to articulate how I feel when I'm with your daughter, John." I shake my head. "But I can tell you this: Isabel is the most beautiful and special person I've ever known."

John stays silent, his eyes never straying from mine.

"I love everything about her." I can't help but smile as I talk about her. I admire all of the portraits of Belly on the wall behind him, spanning from childhood to now. "I love her big heart and her cute laugh. Her competitive spirit. The way she lights up a room without even trying. The kind of friend she is. The kind of person she is. The kind of man she pushes me to be every single day." I say it with my whole chest. My whole heart. "The truth is your daughter is the best thing that has ever happened to me, John." My eyes fill with tears as I look back at him. "My mom knew it and hell, I've known it deep down for a very long time that there is nobody else out there that could ever compare to her." I exhale, my eyes twitching with emotion. "Belly is it for me."

John swallows hard and he starts to tear up as he listens. He lets me get it all out. He lets me say what I had come here to say.

"And I-I just-" I start to choke up. I look down to gather myself then I look back up at him. "I just can't imagine my life without her." I say with tears in my eyes. "I've done life without Belly and I never want to go back to that. When I think about the rest of my life, all I see is her." I nod. "She is everything to me. Everything good. And I think about her all of the time. Belly is the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing on my mind when I go to bed at night. Hearing her voice on the other end of the phone, even if it's just for five minutes, is the best part of my day. There is nothing I wouldn't do for your daughter." I breathe. "She is my best friend. My favorite person. She makes me so happy and I just love her so much." I exhale through the tears. "And I've come to the realization that I can no longer start or end my days without her so I'm really hoping you can be open to what I'm about to ask you."

The emotions and nature of this conversation hit us both hard and I have to take a deep breath so I can get through the next part without crying. It was the most important part. The part that would require him to give up something. His one and only daughter.

"John Conklin." I say the actual words, out loud, to his face. "I'm here today to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter."

I don't whisper it. I don't stutter. My voice is calm and steady. I make my heart's desires known to him, loud and clear. And as soon as I say the words, the tears in John's eyes spill over. Laurel tears up too as she watches us.

"You asked me if I had big plans and I do." The tears start to fall. "I want to marry Belly." I exhale, releasing the words that had been written on my heart for as long as I could remember. "That's it. That's my dream, John. Nothing would make me happier than marrying your daughter. I just want to take care of her and build a life together. That's all I want. That's all I'll ever ask of you. And I swear to you, if you will let me, I will give her a beautiful life." I pause, looking down then I look back up at him. "I'm not a perfect man and if I'm being honest I don't think anyone deserves your daughter but I'll die happily trying to be that man for her. The man she deserves." I swallow hard. "I know what it's like to lose someone you love, and I promise you I won't waste a single second of my time with her. I will love her with everything I have. I will love Belly until my last breath." My voice cracks. "Forever."

And that's when John breaks down. He just loses it right in front of me, his hand covering his face. Seeing him break down like that makes me shed a few more tears.

Laurel places a hand on his shoulder to comfort him and I give him time to process. I knew this would be hard for him as I imagine it would be for any father. It was the day no father looked forward to. The day he would have to give his daughter away. His one and only daughter. He loved that girl in all of those portraits on the wall more than she could ever know.

"Forgive me." John tries to collect himself, his voice breaking. "I just wasn't expecting this today."

"We know." Laurel whispers, keeping her hand on his shoulder. "Take all the time you need."

John runs a hand over his face as he wipes his tears then he looks at Laurel.

"I should have known this day was coming when you told me they got back together." He whispers then he looks past her at the portraits on the wall. "But in my head she's still five and seven and nine-" His voice breaks. "Where did that little girl go? Where did our Bean go?"

Laurel looks at the portraits on the wall behind them, reminiscing with him, then she looks back at him. She squeezes his shoulder in a meaningful way.

"She grew up." Laurel nods with tears in her eyes, her own voice breaking.

They look at each other for a long time and it was a look that only parents knew. I could see their love for Belly reflected back into each other's eyes and I give them all the time they need as they share a private moment. John dries his tears and he lets out a big shaky breath then he finally looks back at me. There was nothing else for me to say or do but to wait. I just wait for him to say something and it's the longest few seconds of my life. He strokes his beard in a fatherly way as he studies me from the couch and it's awhile before he says anything. I had never in my life seen John Conklin be so serious. To be honest, I was more nervous waiting for his answer than I had been with Laurel. This side of him was new to me. I had never seen him so serious and guarded. It terrified me.

"Conrad." John finally breaks the silence and his voice is deeper than I had ever heard it. More stern like a father. "If you ever have a little girl someday, you'll understand why this moment is so hard for me." He looks back at Laurel. "Why this moment is so hard for us."

My heart stops. There was something off about his voice.

It sounded like the answer was no.

I look down, bracing my heart for the worst case scenario. I prepare myself for that answer. Whatever John Conklin was about to say would either make or break the future I was actively planning in my head. It would change everything. His words bounce around in my head and the seconds feel like minutes as they stretch between us.

"And if you ever do have a little girl someday." John looks back at me with tears in his eyes. "You'll understand how this is also one of the happiest moments of my entire life."

I slowly look back up at him in shock.

"I respect you a lot, Conrad." John nods but his voice still sounds off. "For driving all of this way and for sitting me down face to face to do it like this. It takes a lot of courage to do that." He compliments me. "It takes a real man."

Laurel nods with him as she looks back at me but I stay silent. I was too stunned to speak.

"You know how much our family loves you. I don't need to remind you of that." John hesitates. "But as Belly's father, I think you can also understand where I'm coming from right now and why this is a mix of emotions for me. The reality is Belly's been here before and I don't want to see her get hurt again." He swallows. "I trust that you understand the commitment you would be making to our daughter if you go through with this." His eyes pierce mine. "How these are vows that can't easily be broken. Do you understand?"

"Yes." I whisper, my heart pounding out of my chest. "I understand."

"Good." John says then he leans forward to study me more. It feels like years before he speaks again but he doesn't break eye contact. Was he testing me?

His fatherly eyes are hard yet gentle on mine when he asks, "Will you take care of her?"

"Yes."

"He always has." Laurel whispers, vouching for me and it meant a lot to hear her say that.

"Do you promise to always put her first? To choose her every single day even when life gets hard? Because life will get hard, Conrad." John says, his eyes narrowing as he thinks about Susannah. "I know you know that better than anyone else."

"Yes." I say without hesitation. "I promise."

I knew all about promises. They were titanium and there was no way I was breaking this one.

John sinks back into the couch as he strokes his beard. I had never seen this side of him before today and I respected him a hell of a lot more for it. I hoped to be that good of a dad someday. Laurel and I exchange a quick look as I wait for him to speak again. It was all up to him now and I just hoped that he saw that every word I had said today was genuine. Every word was the truth.

"I know you will." John finally says but it sounds like he's talking to himself. "I know you will." He nods to himself then he looks back up at me. "If we're speaking honestly with each other here, I think I always knew it would be you sitting across from us one day, Conrad."

The room falls so silent you can hear a pin drop. I blink. Did John Conklin just say what I think he said to me?

"There were a lot of times throughout the years I remember feeling that way actually." He says it as if he's lost in a memory. "This was well over twenty years ago now. I feel old." He laughs for a moment. "But I remember that first summer like it was yesterday." He nods, looking at me. "The first summer we brought Belly to the beach house as a baby and as soon as you met her, you were wrapped around her little finger." He smiles. "Laur and I would catch you staring at her in her crib then you would run away embarrassed." He turns to Laurel as she starts to laugh next to him. "Remember that?"

Laurel nods, laughing with him then she looks at me, amused.

"I would put her down for a nap and the boys would go play outside but you would just follow me around." Laurel recalls. "You would tug on my shirt and you would say: Laura, where is Belly? Can she play?" She just laughs. "You were enamored with her from the very start."

I smile at them. I had never heard any of these stories before. I had no memory of them but I had no doubt they were true. I think I had always felt this way for Belly. I just hadn't woken up to the depth of those feelings until years later.

"I'll never forget this one." John muses. "Adam was yelling at Belly in the kitchen one night. I don't even remember what it was about." John shakes his head. "But she was too little to understand what she had done wrong and Adam was, well, being drunk Adam. Before Laur and I could even step in to do something about it, you were already there." He smiles at me. "Little Conrad was already doing something about it. You stood right in between them and you know what you said?" He lifts a finger in the air with raised his brows. "You pointed right at Adam and you said: Dad, you need to be nice!"

Laurel starts to laugh and John joins her. I can't help but laugh with them, picturing it. I shake my head. I guess I had been a little overprotective of her too.

"I completely forgot about that." Laurel laughs as she looks at me. "You were so little, Connie. Little but brave to stand up to Adam like that." She winks. "Little Conrad was a force to be reckoned with."

I laugh with them and it seems to lift some of the tension in the room because John still hadn't given me a clear answer yet.

"I never forgot it." He looks back at me with serious eyes. "I never forgot the way you looked out for her. You've always been so good to her. A father never forgets that."

I smile at him, feeling like this was heading in a positive direction.

"And I think I knew." John tilts his head at me, thinking out loud. "I think Laurel and I both knew. That you weren't just protecting her the way Steven did or how a brother would. It was all of these little moments that just added up overtime." He nods to himself. "Even if I wasn't around to see them all, Laurel would tell me things and-"

John looks down and it looks like he is on the verge of tears again. Laurel reaches out to comfort him as he struggles to finish his sentence. John had always had a big tender heart. I could see where Belly got it from.

"And every summer after, I knew." John finds his words, looking back up at me with tears in his eyes. "As a father, I just knew. That little by little we were already starting to lose her to you." He chokes up. "That you were going to be the man who would replace me in her life someday." He cries. "That you were going to be the man sitting in front of me right now asking for my blessing to marry her."

John's words leave me speechless. I didn't know if there was anything I could say back to them that would match the profound emotion and depth behind them. And I just knew in my heart he was right, about all of it. All of the stories they were telling me were living proof of the invisible string between Belly and I. It had always been us, even before we knew what love was. How lucky were we to find it so early in life?

"But I had it all wrong." John swallows, nodding at me. "I was never losing a daughter. I was gaining a son."

John's words hit me hard considering the fact that I wasn't close with my own dad. His words grab a hold of something inside of me, something that yearned for the dad I never got, and they don't let go. A single tear falls down my cheek as we look at each other, man to man. He would never understand just how much those words meant to me.

"It's been a privilege for Laurel and I to watch your love story unfold." John says to me, his gaze softening. "And although you're not perfect, believe me when I say you are perfect for our daughter, Conrad. There is no one out there who could love her better than you do and you deserve to hear that." He says it, matter of a fact. "You deserve to know that we think the world of you and everything you have accomplished as a young man."

I was truly at a loss for words. I could feel more tears forming in my eyes, my heart and posture starting to relax.

"Thank you." I whisper, deeply touched by his words.

"No, thank you, Conrad." John smiles warmly. "I never took the time to thank you." He admits. "For looking out for her without us even having to ask. For loving her the way that you do." He nods. "I guess it's time I finally return the favor and properly thank you after all of these years."

John stands up from the couch and I look up at him. My heart was beating so fast I felt like I was on the Tower of Terror, the moment right before the big drop. What he says next is something I'll never forget for the rest of my life.

"I'm not sure we could ever thank you enough for everything you've done for our daughter but this feels like a good place to start." He holds out a hand with a smile. "Welcome to the family, Conrad Fisher."

I blink and I just stare at his hand in shock. I look at Laurel and she just smiles at me with tears in her eyes. I look back up at John and I can't stand up fast enough. I shake his hand firmly, to shake on the promises I had made to him today, but he pulls me in for a hug instead. He may have given me a hard time in the beginning like any father would but at heart, John was a softie. Honestly, it had all been worth it to end up here. He had been more than kind.

"It's always been you, kid." John pats my back in the hug. "We couldn't have asked for a better man to take care of our special girl. You have my blessing, Conrad Fisher."

I close my eyes. It was the best hug I'd ever received.

"Thank you, John." I whisper, looking at the portraits of Belly on the wall, as he hugs me. "I promise to take good care of that little girl in all of those pictures on the wall."

"I know you will." John releases me. "You've always been a part of the family, Conrad." He pats my arm. "Now it'll just be official and we couldn't be more thrilled that it's you."

Laurel stands up to join us at that moment and it becomes a group hug. Laurel wasn't typically a hugger but this was a special occasion. A special day that I would look back on fondly. A day I would never forget. The day the Conklins welcomed me into their family with open arms and they had given me their blessings to marry Belly.

"I just know Beck is saying I told you so in heaven right now." Laurel just laughs through her tears, hugging us.

John and I laugh in agreement, not needing to say anything else. The sun shines through the window at that moment and I can feel my mom there with us. I can feel her warmth wrap around us like a hug, like the sun on a perfect Cousins Beach day. And I just knew she was there. I didn't have to see her to know. I could just feel her.

I take them out to brunch afterwards. They ask me all sorts of questions about the proposal and I tell them what I have in mind so far. Laurel shows John the picture of the ring I had sent to her last weekend and I give her an update about the local jeweler I had found in Cousins. Laurel tears up when I show her the name: Beck & Co Jewelers. Laurel had always called my mom Beck since their college years and we both agreed it was a sign to get the ring custom-made there. It just felt right, like it was my mom's special way of having a hand in it. When the bill arrives, I try to pay for them but they fight me on it.

"Save your money, Conrad." John just laughs at my humility. "We can think of a few better things you can spend it on."

I laugh, knowing he was referring to the engagement ring. "Thanks, John."

"We only ask for one thing in return." Laurel shifts in her seat. "We both want to be there for when you pop the question." Her and John smile at each other then they both look back at me. "This has been years in the making and we wouldn't miss it for the world."

"What she said." John smiles.

"Done." I smirk.

They didn't even have to ask. That was already part of the plan.

As I hug them goodbye outside, I have this thought: These were my future in-laws? I couldn't have asked for better. I couldn't wait to make it official. It hits me when I get back into my car that this was really happening. Me and Belly. I could officially start planning the proposal now and my heart still couldn't believe it. A few hours ago, I had felt like I was on the Tower of Terror about to drop. But now? I just felt I was on top of the world, back at the Cliffs on Cousins Beach with Belly, feeling like a million bucks.

I was on such a high as I drove home that day, a smirk forever tugging at my lips as I replay it all in my mind. I thought about calling Belly but I knew the excitement in my voice would raise questions. Besides, I had told her I was working a long shift at the hospital so I guess I had to stick to my little white lie. I end up calling Steven and we talk for a bit. I update him and Taylor on everything. After we hang up, I just let the music fill the car and I let my mind wander. I think about the stories John and Laurel had shared with me today. Each one transporting me back to our childhood summers.

A mirage of memories flood my mind, each memory more vivid and golden than the last, as I drive.

Every Belly Flop that officially marked the start of summer. Every boardwalk showdown. Every race and gard game, where she would always try so hard to prove herself as the only girl, and I would secretly let her win because her victory smile was worth it. Every ice cream and popsicle we'd lick until our hands were sticky and our tongues were different colors. Every pool day. Every beach day we'd race down to the water, goggles askew, laughing with the world at our feet. Every sunburn. Every freckle. Every scar. Every laugh. Every smile. Every stolen glance we'd shared when we didn't even know what they had meant yet. Every touch. Every kiss. Every sunrise and every sunset we'd ever spent at each other's side. Every moment that had led up to today and to think, we were just getting started. Our happiest days were still ahead of us. There were so many more memories begging to be made and I just couldn't wait to experience them all with her. My girl. My longest and truest best friend.

I turn up the volume on the radio as I smile at the polaroid of us on the dash. It was only a matter of time.

It was only a matter of time before I made her forever mine.

Her by JVKE fills the car as he drives, the build up of the music in sync with the wild, steady rythm of his heart:

(Hold me close) Look me dead in my eyes

(Dead in my) 'til the day that I die

(Dead inside) I just wanna feel alive

(With you, I'm alive) with you, I'm alive

Fell in love, but it left me lonely

Tried to trust, but it burned me slowly

I didn't know what I was looking for

'Til I found her

I found her

Without her

I'm a mess (I'm a mess)

There was nothing 'bout that love that made sense, I was stressed

'Til I found her (oh, oh)

Author's Note: I know this chapter was a short one but I just couldn't bring myself to leave it out of the story. It deserved it's own special chapter. We don't get to see Conrad and John's relationship much on the show or in the books so I really wanted to flesh it out for the sake of this story. As always, thank you so much for reading :)